Nicki keeps her eyes focused entirely on watching the trainer wrap her foot. But her next words are aimed squarely at me. I dont think youve ever understood what I can do. What I am doing. I do, I say. I see it. I am better than you, she says. Give me a break, Nicki. You think that if this was 1982, I wouldnt stand a chance against you, Nicki continues. I know that if this was 1982, you wouldnt stand a chance against me, I say. Because its 1995, and you dont stand a chance against me. Nicki scoffs. You just cant see it. How good you are? I say. I see how good you are. You dont respect what Ive done for tennis the way I respect what youve done. What have you done that I havent done? Nicki turns and looks at me. Her gaze is heavy. Im the first Asian woman to ever win Wimbledon. The first woman like me to do almost any of the things Ive done in tennishitting these records. Because we both know tennis doesnt make it easy for those of us who arent blond and blue-eyed. Yes, I say, nodding. Absolutely.

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid